Exploring the East of Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island, South Korea’s volcanic gem, offers natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The eastern part of Jeju Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

From the serene beaches of Hamdeok to the dramatic landscapes of Seongsan Sunrise Peak and Cape Seopjikoji and the historical charm of Seongeup Folk Village, there is something for everyone.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history buff, or someone looking to relax, the east of Jeju Island promises an unforgettable experience.

Here is my travel blog guide to exploring the East of Jeju Island:

Korean Air busan to Jeju island

To reach Jeju Island, I flew Korean Air from Busan. The journey took a little under 40 minutes, and my return trip cost me only £40.

You can travel from Seoul or take the ferry from Busan. I found flying to be the quickest option and didn’t cost that much at all.

My bag was also included in this price, and flying from Busan allowed me to make the trip happen quickly over the weekend.

Stayed at the Golden Park Hotel Jeju

While on Jeju Island, I stayed at theGolden Park Hotel in Jeju for two nights.

The main reason I stayed here was that I could take a quick and affordable 10-minute bus from the airport to the hotel.

Being close to Jeju International Airport made things easy, as I had a late arrival flight and an early morning departure.

The room was only £20 per night and was great value for a private double bed with bathroom and AC. It had everything you would need for your stay.

Take the Eastern Route Cultural Exploration tour

If you wish to explore Jeju Island, you have a few options:

You can pick up a car rental and visit all the attractions this way.

You could make the most of Jeju Island’s relatively well-connected local bus network system.

Or, like me, you could book a group-guided tour of Jeju Island.

If you also wish to book a guided tour, here is some advice before you book your trip.

Most tours are split into East Island and West Island tours, covering different attractions across Jeju Island.

They both usually run simultaneously throughout the week. Monday to Saturday.

Unfortunately, I only realised this after I booked my flights. The only full day I could explore was Sunday, the one day either of the tours didn’t run.

However, I was able to find one tour that did run on a Sunday on GetYourGuide: an Eastern Route Cultural Exploration Tour.

Wanting to make the most of the day and my limited time, I booked the only Sunday tour and headed to Jeju Island to explore.

Relax on Hamdeok Beach

Known for its white sandy beaches, Hamdeok Beach is located on the northeast coast of Jeju Island.

This spot is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Go for a swim and enjoy the relaxing emerald waters; this beach is perfect for sunbathing.

The main beach area is bustling with cafes, restaurants, and hotels, making it a convenient spot for a day trip.

Hike up to the top of UNESCO Seongsan Sunrise Peak

Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Jeju’s most iconic landmarks.

This tuff cone crater, formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago, rises 182 meters above sea level.

The hike to the top and back will take you around fifty minutes and is relatively short, but expect the route to be steep,

Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic vista views of the crater and the surrounding ocean.

This hike to the top was my favourite part of the day’s program. I highly recommend it for those incredible views.

Walk around and explore Cape Seopjikoji

Cape Seopjikoji is a beautiful spot to walk around, with a dramatic coastal landscape.

Located close to Seongsan Ilchulbong, adding this to your itinerary as you travel around the East Coast of Jeju Island is easy.

Seopjikoji comes from the Jeju dialect, meaning a narrow piece of land.

This cape is known for its rugged cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and lighthouse lookout spots, which are perfect for photos.

Discover Seongeup Folk Village

Take a step back in time at the Seongeup Folk Village, a living museum that offers a glimpse into the past of Jeju’s island.

This 19th-century village has preserved its traditional thatched-roof houses, volcanic stone walls, and ancient customs, such as the three-stick gate found at the entrance of every home.

Visitors can walk through the village, see traditional homes, shrines, and schools, and learn about the island’s history and culture.

The village is still inhabited, and locals often engage in traditional farming methods, such as raising Jeju black pigs, which provides an authentic experience.

Stroll around nature at Saryeoni Natural Recreation Forest

Saryeoni Natural Recreation Forest is a must-visit if you like nature and hiking trails.

Located on the eastern border of Hallasan National Park, this forest is famous for nature walks.

The forest is home to various trees, including maples, oaks, and cedars.

It offers several well-looked-after hiking routes.

The most enormous trail is the Saryeoni Forest Path, which is about 15 kilometres long and will take around four hours to complete.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot grazing deer in this part of Jeju Island.

Visit Jeju City and Dongmun Market on foot

You can ask your driver nicely if he does a drop-off at Jeju Dongmun Market, in the heart of Jeju City.

Then, before heading back to your hotel, you can explore Jeju City on foot and grab a bite to eat in the evening.

One speciality dish that you must try in Jeju is black pork. It is unique to Jeju, so I highly recommend it. It was super tasty.

Be sure to walk around Dongmun Market and see all the produce sold on Jeju Island. It’s great to see such a thriving market that is popular amongst the locals.

Be sure to pick up a bag of tangerines freshly grown on the island of Jeju.